London: Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour incl walking tours

Imagine gliding through London’s streets wrapped in twinkling lights, with the city’s most iconic landmarks shining in holiday splendor. That’s exactly what the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour promises — a cheerful, accessible way to see London at its most festive. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, this tour offers a relaxing and visually stunning way to celebrate the season.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the top-deck viewing experience that offers panoramic views of the glittering streets and the multilingual audio commentary that helps non-English speakers feel included. On the downside, some travelers have pointed out that traffic congestion can cause long delays, and not everyone may appreciate the tour’s reliance on microphone-guided commentary, especially if you’re sensitive to noisy guides.

This tour suits travelers looking for an easy, Instagrammable way to experience London’s holiday lights, especially if they prefer sightseeing from a comfortable double-decker bus. It’s ideal for those who want to combine a scenic drive with some storytelling, all without the hassle of navigating crowded streets on foot.

Key Points

• Relaxed, comfortable viewing from the top deck of a double-decker bus
• Guided commentary available in English with audio options in 10 languages
• Iconic London sights like Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square decked out for Christmas
• Potential traffic delays may affect the schedule
• Inclusive for all, with wheelchair accessibility and children under 5 traveling free
• Affordable price point compared to private tours, considering the scenic views and storytelling

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Offers: An Overview

This Christmas lights tour is a 1-hour journey specifically designed to showcase London’s festive glow. Starting at Coventry Street, the route takes you past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, all dressed in holiday finery. The experience is primarily on a double-decker bus, so you’ll be high above the busy streets, getting an unobstructed view of the sparkling displays.

A major advantage here is the relaxation factor—you won’t need to worry about navigating or parking, and the bus’s open-top design makes for excellent photo opportunities. As you cruise past Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square, you’ll hear stories about London’s Christmas traditions, past and present, from lively guides. Plus, access to the Tootbus app and Christmas playlist adds a fun, festive ambiance to the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Coventry Street

This lively street is a fitting launchpad for a festive tour, situated near London’s West End theaters and shops. It sets the scene for an immersive holiday experience.

Drive Through London’s Major Sights

The bus then makes its way through the city’s most recognizable areas, each adorned with spectacular lights. Expect to see Regent Street, famous for its grand Christmas displays and historic shop windows, and Piccadilly Circus, with its dazzling LED screens turned holiday cheer.

More Great Tours Nearby

Trafalgar Square

This iconic square transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with decorated trees and festive crowds. The guide shares stories about the area’s holiday traditions, adding context to your visual feast.

Soho and Oxford Street

Both neighborhoods light up with elaborate displays. Oxford Street, in particular, is renowned for its extensive Christmas ornaments and dazzling shops, making it a favorite for photo ops.

Marble Arch, Grosvenor Square

Less crowded than the main tourist spots but equally atmospheric, these quieter areas give you a chance to appreciate the holiday decorations in a more relaxed setting.

Return to Coventry Street

Your tour ends back where it started, with plenty of holiday spirit lingering in the air.

Authentic Travel Insights and Considerations

From reviews, we know that guides are generally knowledgeable and lively, making the storytelling engaging and adding depth to what might otherwise be just a visual tour. However, some travelers have expressed frustration over poor audio quality and microphone noise, which can make it difficult to hear the commentary. If you’re traveling with non-English speakers, the audio options in 10 languages are a significant plus, but you might find the live guide’s microphone less effective.

Another point to consider is the potential for traffic jams. Some reviews mention being stuck in place for extended periods, which can make the tour feel longer than expected and diminish the overall experience. If timing is tight or you’re sensitive to delays, this might be a factor to weigh.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the value is quite good for the price, especially considering the accessibility features, Wi-Fi, and the scenic, festive ambiance. It’s a relaxed way to see many highlights in a short time, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a taste of London’s holiday magic.

Why This Tour Works Well

If you’re looking for a lightweight, festive experience that combines sightseeing with storytelling, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer to sit back and enjoy the views, especially if walking long distances isn’t appealing or feasible. The inclusion of audio guides in multiple languages makes it accessible for international visitors, and the wheelchair accessibility broadens its appeal.

This tour really shines in the visual aspect — the lights, decorations, and bustling street scenes make for fantastic photos and memorable moments. Plus, the relaxed pace means you can focus on enjoying the atmosphere rather than rushing from spot to spot.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience suits those who want a fun, easy way to enjoy London’s Christmas lights without the hassle of navigating busy streets on foot. Families with kids under five will appreciate that children can travel free, and anyone wanting a guided narrative about London’s holiday traditions** will find the commentary engaging.

However, if you’re sensitive to traffic delays or prefer a more intimate, less crowded experience, this might not be your best choice. Similarly, if audio quality is important, you may want to consider how helpful the live guides and audio options are for your group.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a charming, accessible way to see London decked out for the holidays. For a reasonable price, you get a comfortable seated experience, panoramic views, and lively commentary — perfect for capturing the holiday spirit. You’ll love the way the city’s iconic landmarks transform into twinkling spectacles, especially from the vantage point of the open-top bus.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic rides and storytelling and want a relaxed, festive outing. It’s especially appealing if you’re visiting during the busy holiday season and prefer to avoid the crowds or walking long distances in chilly weather.

For travelers craving an authentic, visually immersive experience that emphasizes comfort and convenience, this tour offers genuine holiday magic — just keep in mind the potential for traffic delays and microphone noise.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 can travel for free if they sit on a parent’s lap. It’s a family-friendly way to enjoy the lights.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. The tour starts at Coventry Street, close to London’s West End.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Audio commentary is provided in 10 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour. However, actual times might vary due to traffic.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on the bus, which is great for sharing photos or following along with the app.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

To sum it up, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a delightful way to see London in its holiday finery with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those who value scenic views, engaging guides, and a festive atmosphere, provided you’re comfortable with potential traffic delays and background noise. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the glow, this tour makes for a memorable part of your London holiday experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: